Eversight's 25th "Gift of Sight" gala is a record-breaker

This year, Eversight celebrated its 25^th anniversary gala at the Peninsula on Friday, Oct. 13, although this date certainly wasn’t “unlucky” for this wonderful fundraiser! Nearly 275 partygoers donned creative masks and attire to enjoy an inspiring night that supported the organization’s “gift of sight” mission and deserving honorees, John Robak (2023 Person of Vision) and Dr. Maria Soledad-Cortina (2023 Gift of Sight recipient). The beautiful décor by Tamar Productions (and Kehoe Designs who created the dramatic lobby bar area), made it a night to remember.

Guests were greeted at the door by a performance artist from ZZAZZ Productions (Tracey DiBuono) who was dressed from head-to-toe in a sparkling silver disco-ball catsuit and the excitement built from there. The lobby was filled with a variety of wonderful silent auction items that included a trip to the Peninsula in NYC; a trip to the Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel (courtesy of the Peninsula); dinner donations from Gibson’s, Maple & Ash, Steak 48, La Scarola and more; a sweets package from Eli’s Cheesecake; Fumee Claire candles; a Leah Chavie Skincare package; a signed “Starstruck” book and DVD set courtesy of Michael Kutza; a White Sox package; two beautiful, original paintings courtesy of Greg Hyder; a hair-care package courtesy of Charles Ifergan Salon; and so much more.

The backdrop of the lobby bar was an homage to our 25 Silver Spectacle theme created by Kehoe Designs. Two 5-foot-tall candelabras flanked each side, adding even more drama to this stunning focal point.

The wow factor continued into the Grand Ballroom, thanks to Mary Ann Rose and her team from Tamar Productions. Disco balls were placed on every table with lighted balloons and silver stars hanging from the ceiling. The bold-colored uplighting added to the spectacular spectacle. Additionally, Mary Anne donated gifts for each attendee – a beautiful, silver-plated star keychain.

As guests mingled and ultimately found their seats, a video of past event photos scrolled across the screen. Michael Caputo and yours truly returned for our 6^th year as proud co-chairs and welcomed the crowd. We acknowledged Visionary Sponsors: Paul & Cindy Vogel, John Robak; and Leadership Sponsors: Collette Taylor Worthing Donor Fund, IL Eye and Ear Infirmary; andTable Sponsors: BMO Harris, Cabrera Capital Markets, Chicago Cornea Consultants, and Gift of Hope; and Supporting Sponsors: Ken and Irma Bates, Gail Garza in honor of Dr. E. Lee, Susan Gohl, Jarvis Foundation, PNC, William and Andrea Zopp. We also acknowledged Chicago Star and Chicago Magazine as media sponsors.

Diane Hollingsworth, Eversight President and CEO, shared a history of the organization which began in 1947. She said it is the leading nonprofit eye bank. She acknowledged Chief Operations Officer, Michael O’Keefe, VP of Clinical Operations, Michael Titus, and the nonprofit’s Organ Procurement Organization, who were all in attendance. Diane asked the event’s past honorees to stand and be recognized. They were Susan Gohl, Sherrill Bodine, Mary Ann Rose and Heinz Kern, Drs. Parag Majmudar, Marian Macsai, Randy Epstein, Elmer Tu and Joel Sugar, and yours truly.

Marta Garczarczyk, Eversight Director of Philanthropy, shared a video showing how donor families and recipients are impacted by the gift of sight. She then introduced our auctioneer for the evening, Alyssa Quinlan, the CEO of Hindman Auctions, who donated her valuable time for the event. She raised over $15,000!

Before the honorees were introduced, partygoers enjoyed a delicious meal that started with lobster bisque soup followed by grilled chicken with saffron risotto, Tokyo turnips and heirloom carrots. Vanilla and rum-raisin ice cream, along with poached pears were served atop a rum cake that was flanked by a tiny wafer with the number “25."

2022 Gift of Sight honoree, Dr. Ali Djalilian, introduced this year’s honoree Dr. Maria Soledad-Cortina. He called Dr. Cortina the “Messi of corneal surgery” before reading a poem he had written about her. “She works her magic with precision and care, a healer of eyes beyond compare.” Her parents had flown in from Argentina and were at her table along with her four sons and husband. She said her dad, also an ophthalmologist, is her inspiration teaching her to believe she can be anything that she wants to be. She praised Eversight for “being on the cutting edge and providing patients and surgeons with the very best that there is to offer when it comes to corneal transplantation, tissue processing and research.”

Bethany Florek introduced her friend John Robak, our 2023 Person of Vision. She praised John's clear vision and leadership in the international water infrastructure industry as CEO and Board Chair of Greeley and Hansen. Bethany acknowledged and thanked President Z Scott (of Chicago State University) as the person who hired John for his first HR job. Bethany highlighted John's many philanthropic endeavors, such as helping create the Chicago Police Foundation (with Mary Ann Rose) and raising millions for the CPD. He currently chairs the Chicago Police – Community Policing Advisory Panel and is involved in various organizations like the Chicago Botanic Garden, World Business Chicago, and Chicago Sister Cities International. Through John’s outreach and competitiveness, the event grossed the most in the history of Eversight before it even began.

Robak thanked all those who came out to support him, including his fellow Daniel Burnham Classmates from Leadership Greater Chicago. Newly retired from Greeley & Hansen, he led the sale of this firm that he had worked at for 20 years as Chairman/CEO. He said, “I have always had a deep passion for uplifting people and communities and am proud to hold leadership roles or actively participate in a number of civic and philanthropic organizations whose work really matters.”

He praised Eversight for the wonderful work they do and quoted Helen Keller, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight and no vision.” He concluded his speech with, “Eversight will lead with vision and provide those in need with hope and a brighter future.”

Throughout the evening, there was fabulous music provided by DJ Spin VXN and electric violinist Rachael Miller.

This event had it all, an uplifting and critical mission, a wonderful, hard-working committee, very deserving honorees and it was FUN! Congrats to Eversight, Diane Hollingsworth, Marta Garczarczyk, Jenna Berry, and all who supported, donated, shared event news, and attended to make this year’s event a record-breaker! It was an honor to return for the 6^th year as a co-chair with Michael Caputo. (Photos by Mila Samokhina and Candace Jordan)

(Chicago Star Media returned as media sponsor with Chicago Magazine)

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